Huano Acacia vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Magnetic Jade stand out for their unique characteristics and advantages. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is widely appreciated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an excellent typing experience straight out of the box. It's a versatile option for users looking for a smooth and consistent feel without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a Hall Effect switch, is distinguished by its bright and clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for those who crave an engaging auditory feedback while typing. This switch is particularly recommended for those upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, offering a superior typing experience and enhanced acoustics. Each switch caters to different preferences, whether you seek seamless keystrokes or a lively sound profile; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches both feature polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a similar auditory profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. As a result, both switches produce a crisper sound that resonates more clearly when typed upon. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their appeal for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Thus, the similarities in the top housing material of both switches ensure that users will experience a clear sound profile, regardless of the switch they choose.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the two switches reveal a distinctive difference, as both utilize nylon. This material is known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The nylon effectively absorbs some of the sound produced during typing, producing a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Because both switches share this same bottom housing material, they will similarly inherit this characteristic sound profile. The combination of nylon in the bottom housing underlines the importance of achieving a balanced sound experience, as the material affects how the switch feels and sounds during a bottoming-out action.
In essence, the Huano Acacia and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches combine the same top housing material—polycarbonate—which leads to their shared sharp and clear sound profile. At the same time, they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, further ensuring a deeper auditory experience. While the acoustic characteristics are influenced by the differentiation in housing materials, the synergy created by combining polycarbonate and nylon allows users to consistently enjoy both a defined sound on actuation and a fuller sound at the bottom-out, regardless of the switch they select. This harmonious interaction between the two housings ultimately defines the overall typing experience offered by both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we can see that they have distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, while their bottom out forces are identical. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier than the Magnetic Jade, which has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference means that users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Acacia, while those who favor a lighter touch for lengthy typing sessions or gaming might opt for the Magnetic Jade. Both switches share a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that once pressed down fully, they will provide the same resistance. Therefore, while both switches offer a medium-light bottom out feel, the actuation forces distinguish them, catering to varying preferences in typing pressure.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation feel. Because their travel distances are equal, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness, regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its relatively muted sound, providing a quieter typing experience compared to many other switch types. This characteristic is ideal for those who prefer a subtle auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch produces a bright and clacky sound, which offers a more pronounced auditory experience. This lively sound profile appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback, making it particularly suited for environments where a bit of noise isn't a concern and can even enhance the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch boasts a medium-light weight, complemented by generous factory lubrication that promotes a smooth keystroke. Its minimal stem wobble adds to the overall stability and precision of each press, making it a reliable choice for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade switch is designed for a unique and superior feel, featuring a hall effect mechanism that contributes to a distinctly smooth and consistent actuation. This feel can be particularly appealing for users looking for a switch that combines familiar linear characteristics with innovative technology to enhance their typing experience.
In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Acacia offers a quieter, stable typing experience, while the Magnetic Jade stands out with its bright sounds and smooth actuation. Depending on your preferences for auditory feedback and tactile sensation, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different flavors, affirming that users can select based on what resonates most with their unique needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, you should consider your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia is your best bet. Its medium-light weight, excellent factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble make for a consistently pleasant feel, ideal for both typing and gaming without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more vibrant acoustics and a distinctive feedback, the Magnetic Jade switches stand out with their bright, clacky sound profile, making them great for a more expressive typing experience. These switches are particularly suited for users who enjoy the unique characteristics of hall effect technology and want a superior sound quality. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what aspect you value more in your mechanical keyboard experience—whether it's the smooth and understated feel of the Acacia or the engaging auditory experience offered by the Magnetic Jade.
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